Amidst mounting concerns over the integrity of NEET-UG 2024, the Centre has outlined a meticulous plan for conducting counselling in four phases starting from the third week of July. This decision comes in the wake of allegations involving question paper leaks and other malpractices that have marred the examination process.
Government’s Response to Allegations
In a comprehensive 44-page affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education department reassured stakeholders about the integrity of the counselling process. It emphasized that any candidate found benefiting from malpractice, such as question paper leaks or impersonation, would face immediate cancellation of their candidature, even post-counselling stages.
Data Analytics and Legal Actions
The government has leaned heavily on a data analytics report from IIT Madras to address allegations of widespread malpractice during the NEET-UG 2024 exams. This report has been pivotal in identifying and addressing instances of exam irregularities, including arrests made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning the paper leakage issue.
Counselling Procedure and Seat Allocation
The counselling process for undergraduate medical seats operates under two primary authorities: the Medical Counselling Committee for All India quota seats and respective State counselling authorities for State quota seats. The timing of seat cancellations due to malpractice will significantly influence seat allocations across these categories.
Impact on Seat Allocation
Candidates participating in the counselling rounds have the flexibility to change their seat preferences during the initial two rounds. The government clarified that cancellations made before the third round would not disrupt the overall seat allocation process. However, cancellations post the third round would lead to vacant seats being reallocated in subsequent rounds, excluding candidates already allocated seats in prior rounds.
Future Counselling Rounds
Typically, the counselling process spans four rounds. Should any cancellations occur after the conclusion of these rounds, the government reserves the right to initiate additional rounds to fill vacant seats. This approach aims to ensure fairness and transparency in seat distribution, notwithstanding late-stage cancellations due to malpractice investigations.
Conclusion: Ensuring Fairness Amid Challenges
As NEET-UG 2024 counselling gears up for its commencement in July, the government’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to upholding the integrity of the medical admissions process. The stringent actions against malpractice allegations and the structured counselling approach aim to reassure aspiring students and stakeholders alike of a fair and equitable seat allocation process.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
